Christmas Markets in Basel & Alsace (Private Tour) from US$934

price per person From

US$934

Based on 2 adults

Created: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 - Departure: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

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Christmas Markets in Basel & Alsace (Private Tour) from Zurich

Trip overview

This private tour from Zurich invites you into the heart of European Christmas traditions, blending Swiss charm in Basel with the storybook atmosphere of the Alsace region in France. Over one festive day, you will discover illuminated squares, historic churches, and beautifully decorated market stalls, all at a relaxed pace and with the comfort of a dedicated driver-guide.

Ideal for two adults seeking a romantic seasonal escape or a refined cultural outing, the itinerary combines guided exploration with ample free time to follow your own interests. From tasting regional specialties to selecting handcrafted ornaments, this journey offers a rich, immersive experience of Christmas in both Switzerland and France.

Itinerary and included services

Departure from Zurich (Switzerland)
Morning pick-up from your hotel or central meeting point
Comfortable private vehicle with professional, English-speaking driver-guide.
Basel Christmas Markets
Guided stroll through Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz markets, with time to explore artisan stalls, traditional Swiss decorations, and local delicacies such as raclette and Basel Läckerli.
Tips for the best panoramic viewpoints over the Rhine and the old town.
Alsace Region (France) – Colmar or Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Cross-border excursion to one of the most iconic Alsatian towns (typically Colmar or Strasbourg, depending on dates and preferences).
Walking tour through historic quarters lined with half-timbered houses, festive lights, and themed Christmas villages.
Time at leisure for mulled wine, gingerbread, and local crafts.
Private Tour Experience
Flexible schedule tailored to your pace and interests: photo stops, coffee breaks, and free time for shopping.
Personalized recommendations for dining and local specialties in both Basel and Alsace.
Comfort and logistics
Round-trip transportation from Zurich, including all road tolls and parking fees.
Assistance with currency considerations (Swiss francs vs. euros) and practical tips for cross-border travel.
Optional enhancements (on request, not included in base ticket)
Restaurant reservations for a festive dinner in Basel or Alsace.
Booking support for additional activities, such as riverfront evening walks or wine tasting in the Alsace region.

About the destination

Zurich labours under the misconception that it is nothing more than a sterile banking city – don't believe a word of it. True, Zurich plays home to one of the largest stock exchanges in the world and is the financial motor of Switzerland itself, but step back from the markets and share prices and you'll find an arty, trend-conscious and vibrant city. Just hang in Zurich West for a while. Its former warehouses, viaducts and ship building caverns have been converted into art centres, funky bars and quirky boutiques. Along Langstrasse, the city’s notorious red light district, you’re now as likely to take home a chic handbag crafted by an emerging designer as you are a piece of skirt. Zurich’s character booms from the speakers of the annual Street Parade, a mammoth techno festival that weaves through the city with DJs and minimally-clad dancers on floats. There isn’t a banker’s tie in sight. If there is in the pretty east bank quarter of Niederdorf, it’s loosened. These medieval streets are abuzz with cafés on corners, trendy taprooms and world-class restaurants. It’s easy to while away an afternoon just absorbing its laidback atmosphere, especially in summer when the riverside take on a beach vibe. Winter is special too. Under the spell of snow, the cobbled alleyways, fountains, lakeside promenades and stunning architecture of the Old Town were made for the stroke of an artist’s brush. This is when one of Europe’s best Christmas markets rolls into town and the warming citruses and cinnamons of the glühwein (mulled wine) stalls fill the air. Shoppers will be in their element here at any time of year. Zurich’s flashy side is evident in the upmarket designer boutiques of Bahnhofstrasse, the city’s main shopping drag. But this is no longer a city for the smart set alone; there are plenty of unusual shops to be discovered down hidden streets. Sitting astride the River Limmat and the northern tip of Lake Zurich, Mother Nature certainly smiles down on Switzerland’s biggest city. Architects were courteous in their additions too - just check out the Fraumünster and Grossmünster churches, which face each other across the river. Then, when you’ve had enough of the city’s diverse array of restaurants, first-rate museums and pulsing nightlife, there’s always the nearby Uetliberg mountain or a boat trip on Lake Zurich to enjoy – if only to catch your breath before diving back into the city’s delights again.

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